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What We Do for Newton
 Newton Conservators is a citizens group that advocates for Newton's open spaces. We are Newton's land trust. We are a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of Newton's open space, for wildlife and for the community.
Our most recent success is in saving much of Newton's remaining large acreage through the use of funding from the Community Preservation Act, which Newton adopted in 2000. Our advocacy and public education programs were instrumental in bringing about the enactment of the CPA in Newton.
History
Enormous development
pressures in the 1950s, including several proposals for 20-story
buildings, inspired the formation of the Newton Conservators. We
were organized as a citizen advocacy group to guard what remained
of Newton's open land and to guide the city in its appropriate use.
Since our founding more than 40 years ago, we
have been instrumental in preserving over 350 acres of open
space and creating several major parks for public enjoyment. We
have also helped enact ground-breaking environmental ordinances
for protection of wetlands, clean air, energy conservation, road
salt limits, and tree preservation.
We encourage the proper use and protection of parks, playgrounds,
conservation areas, lakes, ponds, and streams for recreation, education,
and scientific study. We introduce people to these natural resources
through spring and fall walks, informative
maps for self-guided tours, environmental
study programs, and a variety of other initiatives.
Our Mission
The Conservators protect open space and enhance the community's enjoyment of Newton's natural places in a variety of ways:
| Guided walks |
Land acquisitions |
| Lectures by noted local naturalists |
Stewardship and monitoring of open spaces |
| Grants, including scholarships for students in the city's Environmental Science Program |
Management of wild lands to enhance habitat and improve public access |
How You Can Help
- Make a donation. Your tax-deductible contribution helps as "seed" money for land acquisitions and as money for grants, student aid, and nature studies
- Report on local wildlife in our newsletter and on this website
- Form a "Friends" group to monitor your neighborhood open space
- Advocate for open space through letters, email, and discussion with city officials
- Participate in open space clean-ups
- Donate land or conservation restrictions on land that you own
- Become a member of the conservators
How You Benefit from Membership
By becoming a member of the Newton Conservators,
you will:
- Receive a 64-page Map Guide
to Newton's diverse network of parks and conservation lands.
- Learn about expertly-led nature walks,
canoe trips, bird walks, and bike tours.
- Explore and help protect the natural features
and biodiversity of our region.
- Receive our informative newsletter
and alerts on issues of local interest.
- Support the broad range of initiatives
undertaken by the Newton Conservators.
How to Join
Click here to learn
how to join the Conservators.
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